Provide input for commemorative naming of Stittsville parks

(The trailhead seating area of the Trans Canada Trail on Stittsville Main Street.)

The City of Ottawa is conducting public consultations on three separate naming proposals for Stittsville parks. The City wants to receive your written comments no later than Friday, August 27, 2021.

The existing parks would see their current names changed to reflect and commemorate the significant contribution and community service provided to the Stittsville community over the years by those nominated for the naming.

The following parks to be re-named are:

• Bradley Commons Park, located at 331 Cranesbill Road, to the Bradley-Craig Park
• Atlas Park, located at 875 Atlas Terrace, to the Bob Mills Park
• The new Stittsville Main Street sitting area, located across from Village Square Park at 6000 Abbott Street East, to Bradley Square

Bradley-Craig Park (Ward 6 – Stittsville)

In recognition of the historical significance of the Bradley-Craig family, the City has been asked to name the Bradley Commons Park, located at 331 Cranesbill Road, Bradley-Craig Park. In 2010 the City of Ottawa under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act designated the Bradley/Craig Farmstead, 590 Hazeldean Road, to be of cultural heritage value and interest. Built in the 1870s with such features as its black steep pitched gable roof, verandah with gingerbread woodwork, and decorative bargeboard in its gable ends, the two-and-a-half-storey, red brick farmhouse replaced a two-storey log house and represents Gothic-Revival style. The rare, unusually large L-shaped bank dairy barn, built in 1873, notable for its timber frame mortise and tenon construction, monitor roofline, diamond-shaped clerestory windows, and wide board sheathing, is the last known barn built by John A. Cummings (1831-1887) with help from apprentices and local farmers. Initially granted in 1821 to Joshua Bradley (married Lucinda Clarke), an immigrant from County Wexford, Ireland, who engaged in mixed farming, five generations of the same family have lived and worked on the farm. Joshua Jr. and wife Annie (nee: Morris) did mixed farming but also raised heavy horses used in the winter at the “Shanties”. Their son, John Clifford (married to Margaret Dawson) served as a Sapper in WWI, pioneered field tile drainage in Goulbourn Township, started Springwell Dairy in Ottawa, became an auctioneer, and raised Ayrshires and Holsteins. His daughter, Norma, and husband Eldon Craig farmed together for 58 years, raised two children, Brian and Deborah, and were known for their beautiful garden and prize-winning Brown Swiss cattle. The farmstead represents the rise of immigration following the War of 1812, contributions to community, but also successful recovery and increasing agricultural prosperity following the devastation and loss caused by the Carleton County fire of 1870.

Bob Mills Park (Ward 6 – Stittsville)

In recognition of extensive community service, the City has been asked to name Atlas Park, located at 875 Atlas Terrace, Bob Mills Park. Bob Mills worked for 25 years as the Director of Parks and Recreation for Goulbourn Township. He developed numerous parks, ball fields and hockey arenas during this time, enhancing recreation in the Stittsville community.

Bradley Square (Ward 6 – Stittsville)

In recognition of extensive community service, the City has been asked to name the new Stittsville Main Street sitting area, located across from Village Square Park at 6000 Abbott Street East, Bradley Square. Ross Bradley and the Bradley Family have been long-time residents and business leaders in the Stittsville community. Ross is a philanthropist that has donated time and money to many local organizations, charities, community groups and minor sports teams.

If you would like to submit written comments regarding one or more of the proposals or obtain further information, please contact Commemorative Naming. Comments must be made in writing and received no later than Friday, August 27.